--- description: Here are the steps you need to follow to obtain a car Washington DC accident report, helping you secure this document with less hassle. title: How to Get a Washington DC Car Accident Report --- How to Get a Washington DC Car Accident Report # How to Get a Washington DC Car Accident Report Last Updated: September 4, 2024 Reading Time: 4 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » How to Get a Washington DC Car Accident Report What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. ## Getting A Police Report For A DC Car Accident Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with the pile of paperwork that inevitably follows. One such crucial document is the police report, a comprehensive account of the incident as recorded by the responding law enforcement officers at the accident scene. Though not admissible as evidence in litigation or at trial, these reports can play a crucial role in pre-litigation investigations, cross examining the officers who wrote them, and insurance claims. Here, we outline the steps you need to follow to obtain a car accident report in Washington DC, aiming to simplify the process and help you secure this important document with less hassle. ## There are Multiple Ways to Obtain a Police Accident Report in DC: ### Mail In or Email If you live outside of the District or are otherwise unable to visit the office in person, you can request a PD-10 via Email or Mail-In. To request a PD-10 via email, submit your email request to[ mpd.public-docs@dc.gov](https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/service_content/attachments/PD%20Form%2010B_fillableform.pdf). If you prefer to mail your request, send it along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the following address: Metropolitan Police Department Public Documents Section ATTN: Accident/Incident Reports 441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South Washington, DC 20001 For Mail-In requests, allow six weeks for processing from the date the request is made. If you need additional assistance, you can contact (202) 727-4357. When making your request, try to include as much of the following information as possible: - Full Name - Date of Accident or Incident - Location of Accident or Incident - Six Digit Report Number (CCN) - Time of Accident or Incident - A copy of a valid government-issued photo identification (a scanned image or digital photograph is acceptable) *THIS IS REQUIRED - A copy of the completed “[PD Form 10B](https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/service_content/attachments/PD%20Form%2010B_fillableform.pdf) – Application for PD Form 10 Accident Report.” This form can be found at the end of this webpage (a scanned image or digital photograph is acceptable) *THIS IS REQUIRED ### Visit the MPD Records Unit in Person Keep in mind that in-person requests are exclusively by appointment. Ensure you schedule an appointment prior to your visit by calling (202) 671-6705. The Accident Report (PD-10) can be requested at the MPD Headquarters, located at *441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001*. To make an in-person request, you will need to provide ONE of the following: - Your full name AND the specific date, location, and time of the incident, accident, or offense - A six-digit accident or incident number (CCN) In addition, remember to bring valid government-issued photo identification. Ensuring you have the necessary information and documentation will expedite the process and make your visit to the MPD Headquarters as efficient as possible. #### How Much Does it Cost? Typically, first-party requestors can acquire copies of the PD-10 free of charge. However, for insurance companies requiring it for claim purposes, there is a standard fee of $3 for each PD-10 requested. **What is the Processing Time?** - Online requests are typically processed within 24 hours. - In-person requests are typically processed immediately. - Written requests are typically processed within 5 business days. #### Additional information: - You can request a copy of your car accident report up to 180 days after the date of the accident. - If you are unable to locate your car accident report, you can contact the MPD Records Unit at (202) 727-4357for assistance. ### Obtain One Through Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. If the above methods seem too complex or time-consuming, consider leveraging the services of a personal injury attorney. The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C our practice is focused on car accidents and personal injury cases. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling the intricate details of accident cases. We can help you request and obtain your car accident report, freeing up your time to focus on recovery. Our team can aid by not only procuring this important document for you but also interpreting its contents and leveraging it to build a compelling case for your insurance claim or lawsuit. Our involvement can streamline the process, ensuring that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted promptly. Remember, in stressful times, it helps to have a trusted partner who understands the legalities and is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C can be that partner for you. ## The Role of Accident Reports in a Car Accident Claim A police report plays a vital role in a[ car accident claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/insurance-claim/) as it provides an impartial third-party account of the incident. It typically contains details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the parties involved, descriptions of the vehicles and damages, witness testimonies, and the officer’s assessment of fault. This document serves as a crucial piece of evidence when negotiating with your insurance company or the driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies often rely on police reports to determine liability and calculate the claim’s value, as it provides an objective record of the incident. Furthermore, a police report can bolster your legal case by providing tangible evidence to substantiate your claims, particularly in cases where the other party disputes the facts. Hence, obtaining this report is a critical step in the post-accident process. ## Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. Are Here For You At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C., our[ car accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) understand the stress and confusion that come in the wake of an accident. Our commitment is to stand by your side, providing comprehensive legal support and guidance every step of the way. Navigating a personal injury claim after a car crash can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Your focus should be on recovery, and our focus is on advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait,[ contact us today](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) for a free consultation and take the first step towards peace of mind. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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